Woodlands.co.uk

SOLD: Pilum Wood £59,000 Freehold

Description

Pilum Wood is located at the heart of a larger woodland landscape. Planted with conifers some considerable time ago, the trees have grown well and reached impressive proportions. On entering the wood an apparently dense stand of spruce hides a series of secluded level glades. Moving through, the wood opens out into well-spaced larch, transected by grassy rides and small seasonal watercourses. The northern half of the wood is largely level with a gentle slope to the south starting around the midpoint. A variety of native broadleaf seedlings are in evidence scattered throughout the wood, giving the prospect of greater variety and attractiveness as time progresses. A variety of woodland flowers create splashes of colour as they come to bloom as the seasons dictate.

The purchasers of the woodland will be asked to enter into a covenant

There is a growing interest in hut, bothy and temporary shelter building, especially in Scotland; for those interested in erecting a hut or shelter, here is some interesting and very helpful guidance from Reforesting Scotland’s Thousand Hut Campaign. Your Local Planning Authority should also be consulted.

Trees

The wood is planted with a more or less even mixture of Sitka and Norway spruce, with an additional stand of larch to the west. The spruce give year-round greenery, whilst the deciduous larch changes from a spring verdant green, through to an autumnal golden yellow. An occasional self-seeded intruder adds welcome variety by its presence; Scots pine and unusually large rowan, have been spotted between the conifers. Holly, rowan and hawthorn, all-important understorey species, have started to take a foothold, whilst the forest floor is a carpet of ferns and mosses.

Wildlife

A resident population of roe deer moves throughout the whole woodland and sightings within Pilum are not uncommon. A variety of small birds, tits, finches and the like, are supplemented by larger woodpeckers and jays. Mewling buzzards are regularly seen and heard through the open canopy.

Features

At the end of the access track, a substantial hardstanding facilitates the management and use of the wood and would facilitate the stacking of harvested timber. A small bench has been created from local timber to encourage relaxation and taking time out to watch the woodland world go by.

A number of watercourses run roughly south to north. Although the water level varies considerably, it is enough to create its own valuable mini-ecosystem of damp favouring flora, adding greatly to the diversity of the woodland.

Access, tracks and footpaths

Access to the wood is from the B6307 and then along well-made forest tracks, a network of which run throughout the wood as a whole.

Within the wood, the well-spaced trees interspersed with open glades, makes traversing the wood a pleasant and easy experience. A small path leads from the hardstanding to a gently flowing watercourse.

Rights and covenants

The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Activities

The large amount of growing timber could be sustainably harvested as a domestic wood fuel source; this would also encourage a greater diversity of trees and flora to flourish in the space created.

An overnight camping stay is an attractive proposition, facilitating wildlife watching at the prime times of dusk and dawn.

Local area and history

The woods at Dilston were formerly part of the estate of the Radcliffes of nearby Dilston Hall. Now serving as a more useful specialist further education college, the hall was built to rival nearby 18th century mansions but was never completed. At the outbreak of the Jacobite Rebellion, work was suspended, never to be resumed. All that remains are the ruins of Dilston Castle, situated on the banks of the Devils water, a lively tributary of the River Tyne.

The name Pilum was chosen for the wood in recognition of the strong Roman influences in the area. A pilum was a spear, not dissimilar to a javelin, employed to great effect by ancient Roman foot soldiers.

The wood is part of a larger area of woodland which runs down to the River Tyne. The Tyne is considered to be England's best salmon river which together with sea trout runs gives the opportunity for excellent fishing. This is a quiet rural setting with many public footpaths with good walking. Nearby is Hadrian's Wall with the more challenging Hadrian's Wall Long Distance Path.

The attractive market towns of Hexham with its historic abbey and Roman Corbridge lie a short drive away. Rowing and canoeing are popular from Tyne Green riverside park.

Wood maps

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Find this wood

This wood is now sold, please do not visit the wood without the permission of the owner.

Location

  • OS Landranger: OS No. 87
  • Grid ref: NY 970 618
  • Nearest post code: NE45 5RL
  • GPS coordinates: 54.9512, -2.04798

Location map

Directions

Pilum Wood is about ½ hour's drive west of Newcastle just south of Corbridge and 4 miles south east of Hexham.

Satnav: the postcode NE45 5RL is for the point shown by the red dot on the location map. Coordinates for the gate on the lane entrance. N54:57:13, W2:02:54.

Click here for Directions from Bing maps - enter your own postcode (Pilum Wood coordinates are already entered) and click on the blue "Go" box. This will take you to the parking area by the entrance.

• Travelling along the A69 take the A6079 towards the centre of Hexham.

• Cross the river, over a mini roundabout, over the railway and turn left at the second mini roundabout, sign-posted Prudhoe A695. Pass Matthew Charlton hire shop on the left and turn left onto Perth Head. At the T junction bear left back onto the A695.

• Pass the Physic garden at Dilston and turn first right continuing on the A695. Turn right onto the B6307 sign-posted Blanchland.

• Go under the power line, the entrance to Pilum Wood is from the second gate on the left.

• Please park safely off the public road.

• Go through the gate on foot and along the track, turn right at the track junction. Pilum Wood is at the end of this track with a sign marked ridestop entrance.

How we support our buyers

Membership of the small woodland owners’ group

£300 for a woodland course of your choice

One year's free membership of the royal forestry society

Please note this wood is owned by woodlands.co.uk.

Our regional managers are often out working in our woodlands, so if you email an offer and want to be sure it has been received, please phone our manager on their mobile phone. The first offer at the stated price which is accepted, whether by phone or email, has priority.

Please take care when viewing as the great outdoors can contain unexpected hazards and woodlands are no exception. You should exercise common sense and caution, such as wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding visiting during high winds.

These particulars are for guidance only and, though believed to be correct, do not form part of any contract. Woodland Investment Management Ltd hereby give notice under section 21 of the Estate Agents Act 1979 of their interest in the land being sold.

An attractive mixed conifer woodland within easy driving distance of Carlisle and Newcastle.

Managed by David and Sarah Alty

Telephone: 07795 104 594

Email: [email protected]